INJURED curry chef Farooq Ahmed couldn't end a visit to No 10 without asking the country's most powerful man to sign his plaster cast.

INJURED curry chef Farooq Ahmed couldn't end a visit to No 10 without asking the country's most powerful man to sign his plaster cast.

Mr Ahmed was invited to meet Tony Blair with other community champions for the work he has done for young people in Rochdale.

Unfortunately, he arrived with his left arm in plaster after a fall in Cheetham Street shattered his elbow.

As the two chatted the Prime Minister couldn't help noticing the cast, so 29-year-old Mr Ahmed asked for - and got - the ultimate souvenir.

Earlier, the owner of a Heywood restaurant had been commended for setting up various youth groups throughout Rochdale and for helping to launch the first purpose-built youth base at Wardleworth.

Mr Ahmed, who fears he will be left with a stiff arm and arthritis, said the meeting with Mr Blair gave him the greatest boost.

He had been picked up from his home in Halifax Road, Heybrook and whisked to London in a chauffeur-driven car organised by his friend, former 'Coronation Street' actress, Julie Goodyear.

In the capital, the man currently the North West curry chef of the year was met by Rochdale MP Lorna Fitzsimons, who gave him a tour of Westminster and took him for a cream tea before heading for Downing Street.

Mr Ahmed said: "I felt like a celebrity and I am still walking on air from everything that happened. The first thing Mr Blair asked me was about my arm. He was a very polite guy and very nice."

Mr Ahmed also chatted with education secretary Charles Clarke, who heaped praise on him for his youth work, which has involved more than 1,000 children spanning 10 years.

Mr Clarke said: "Farooq has shown dedication to the youth in his community - extending facilities and breaking down barriers by organising inter-cultural events.

"In addition, he has combined this hard work with winning awards as a young restaurant entrepreneur.

"I am delighted to recognise the outstanding contribution he has made."

The day after Mr Ahmed was back in the kitchen at his restaurant to film the new series of 'Celebrity Fit Club', which will star Miss Goodyear.

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